S.Amdt. 6424

SA 6424, submitted by Ms. Cortez Masto, aims to add a section to bill S. 4784 regarding the designation and use of a government-owned, contractor-operated rapid manufacturing facility for uncrewed systems.

The purpose of this amendment is to give the Department of Defense a surge-capable way to rapidly produce, scale, and reconfigure uncrewed systems and payloads to meet contingency planning needs and operational requirements.

The amendment seeks to add the following requirements:

• Facility Designation: The Secretary of Defense must designate or modify an existing government-owned facility to support the production and integration of maritime and airborne uncrewed systems.

• Operational Activities: The facility will focus on producing things like loitering munitions, autonomous surface vessels, and attritable systems using automation and additive manufacturing. It will prioritize systems that can be fielded within 12 to 24 months.

• Management: The facility will be run via a consortium agreement or a competitively awarded contract, prioritizing operators with experience in defense system integration and rapid prototyping.

• Workforce and Integration: The Secretary must coordinate with existing efforts (such as the Defense Innovation Unit) and use the facility to help train and reskill the defense industrial workforce.

• Restrictions and Budget: The facility cannot be used to produce major defense acquisition program platforms like submarines or ships. No additional funds are authorized for this section; it must be carried out using existing resources.

• Accountability: The Secretary of Defense must submit a report to congressional defense committees within 180 days of the Act's enactment detailing the chosen facility, management structure, and metrics for success.